Adding a Pet to Your Family During COVID-19
In times of uncertainty, it’s calming to have a pet for company and companionship. Not only does caring for a pet give you a routine, but it’s also therapeutic to cuddle and spend time with your friend. If you’ve been looking for a good time to adopt a pet from the Tehama County Animal Care Center, the COVID-19 pandemic might provide the perfect opportunity. The adoption process can be a little different right now, but we’ve put together a guide to help you through it!
What Does Adoption Look Like These Days?
If you’ve adopted a pet in the past, you’re probably used to visiting pets at the local animal shelter and filling out an application. While some parts of the process are unchanged, other things might take some getting used to.
● At many animal shelters across the country, adoption rates have greatly increased. Even though many people want to open their doors to pets during the pandemic, there will always be animals in need of good homes!
● Some shelters may only do adoptions by appointment due to social distancing requirements, so be sure to call ahead first. However, you’ll still need to fill out an application and pay a fee in most cases.
Choosing the Right Pet
Now that you know adoptions are still taking place during COVID-19, it’s time to give some serious thought to the type of pet you want to adopt. Here are a few things to consider.
● If you have lots of free time now, but will have to go back to a busy schedule after social distancing requirements end, consider getting a pet that doesn’t need a lot of attention.
● If you have kids, make sure you find a pet that’s a good fit for the whole family.
● Dogs are excellent companions, but they usually need the most attention of all. Before adopting a dog, consider whether you can keep providing the same level of attention once quarantine measures are lifted!
Gear Up
Most pets need a variety of accessories to live a safe and happy life. Once you’ve chosen a pet, look into the types of gear you’ll need to buy.
● Small pets need a nice cage, bedding, water dish, and toys.
● Cats love having a special bed and toys to play with, and some do better with wet food over dry formulas, so be sure to ask the shelter, and buy a product with limited ingredients.
● A dog should have accessories such as toys, bedding, and special food and water bowls. A crate might also be essential if you plan on crate training your pup.
● Purchase necessary cleaning supplies in anticipation of accidents. And err on the side of caution by setting aside funds in case you need to work with pros for furniture or carpet cleaning.
Finding Care for Your Pet
Due to the pandemic, you probably feel like you’ve got all the time in the world to bond with your pet right now. That’s why now is a great time to adopt! But eventually, life will go back to normal, and you’ll need to arrange care for your pet when you’re not around as much.
● To keep your pooch active, arrange for a dog walker if you’re gone for most of the day.
● Find a trusted dog sitter, or better yet, research local dog boarding options.
● Although you hopefully won’t need to go to the vet often, now is a good time to research trustworthy vets and pick one who’s a good fit for your pet’s future needs.
Giving a pet a good home during the pandemic is one of the best ways to help out. There will always be pets who need adopting, and right now might be the perfect time for your family. When choosing a pet, just be sure to pick a companion who will fit your lifestyle now and in the future once life returns to normal.
Aurora James
